Are Electronic Signatures legal?

Yes, electronic signatures are valid and legal in South Africa, the United States, Canada, the European Union, the UK, and many other areas of the world. (View more about the legality of electronic signatures  here.)

Legislation defining electronic signatures and digital contracting have been adopted worldwide since 2000, and South African authorities followed suit and paved the way for digital contracting through the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act - Act 25 of 2002.

Most countries have realised how burdensome ink signatures have become in our fast-paced and globalised economy: Ink signatures slow down the contracting process and create a paper management problem. This is precisely why Sanlam has adopted the use of electronic signature. 

E-signatures in Law:

South Africa

ECTA (Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002)
Section 2(3) of the Consumer Protection Act
Section 1 (12) of the Companies Act.